Former Persimmon development director David Bryant is to be the new chairman of the New Homes Marketing Board, taking over from former Barratt boss David Pretty who is retiring. <br> <br> Bryant is a board member of NHMB, but retired from Persimmon at the end of last year after nearly 25 years at the firm. <br> <br> “I am delighted to be taking up the chair of the New Homes Marketing Board and to continue the great work done by my predecessor David Pretty,” said Bryant. “I feel the NHMB has a critical role to play in helping the industry promote the significant benefits of new build homes and campaigning on our customers behalf, particularly first time buyers. The current economic climate dictates that the industry needs a strong voice and I look forward to taking up the challenge in the new year.” <br> <br> Bryant has an immense amount of experience in housebuilding, with his group development director role giving him across the board responsibility for sales and marketing, procurement, health and safety and PR and media. <br> <br> With his 66th birthday looming and his eighth grandchild just arrived, David Pretty is stepping down after four years as …